we are particularly excited doing a lot of work on the fiscal cliff. we talked about medical savings through the programs, address rising national expenditure. will have more to say on taxes, but we are ecstatic to have senator durbin here today who has played such a fundamental role over the last several years. been part of literally every negotiation that has taken place. he still an optimist, so i think that is a sign of progress. he has had a long history of being a champion and advocate for the middle class. he has carried that advocacy in the budget negotiations. part of the cu -- subcommittee, the gang of eight, became a six, almost every game that has been involved in these issues, and, but i think most importantly he has been a fighter for what's right and for having a plan that really stands true to the back of the american people and the people who voted and waited in line for hours, people who want a fair shake out of washington. and so, as a champion of that fair shake i'm excited to have senator durbin. [applause] >> neera, thank you very